Roasted Apple Butter

Description:

Making apple butter in the oven, rather than on the stovetop, produces a delectable spread with a distinctive caramelized flavor. This is a healthful alternative to commercial varieties, which usually contain added sugars.

Ingredients:

8 medium McIntosh apples, (2 3/4 pounds), peeled, cored and quartered

2 cups unsweetened apple juice

Preparation:

1

Preheat oven to 450°F. Arrange apples in a large roasting pan. Pour apple juice over the apples. Bake until tender and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Using a fork or potato masher, thoroughly mash the apples in the roasting pan.

2

Reduce oven temperature to 350°. Bake the apple puree, stirring occasionally, until very thick and deeply browned, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. Scrape into a bowl and let cool.